Bills · HR 4777
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4777Commerce
INNOVATE Act
INTRO JUL 25· LAST ACTION JUL 25
READING
45MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it seeks to accelerate the development and deployment of critical technologies by leveraging the innovation of small American businesses. By increasing funding for the STTR program and creating a new, substantial funding stream for "strategic breakthrough" projects in SBIR, it aims to reduce the time it takes for advanced technologies to go from initial research to being used by the government, especially for urgent national security or operational needs.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to faster procurement of advanced tools for the military, improved government services, and more opportunities for small, innovative companies to grow and contribute to the economy. If it does not pass, the existing SBIR and STTR programs would continue without these specific enhancements, potentially resulting in slower adoption of new technologies and fewer large-scale, expedited funding opportunities for small businesses. Voters should care because these programs are vital for national innovation, competitiveness, and addressing complex challenges facing the country.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Increases the percentage of federal research and development budgets that agencies must allocate to the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program from 3.2% to 3.45% starting in fiscal year 2026.
This provides more funding opportunities for small businesses collaborating with research institutions on advanced technologies.
PROVISION 02
Increases the required minimum work percentage for small businesses in STTR projects from 40% to 50%, while reducing the research institution's minimum from 30% to 20%.
This strengthens the role of the small business in the partnership and encourages their direct involvement in the technology development.
PROVISION 03
Establishes a "strategic breakthrough allocation" within the SBIR program, requiring large agencies to set aside 0.25% of their extramural R&D budget for Phase II awards of up to $30 million for advanced technologies.
This creates a dedicated, substantial funding stream to accelerate the development and transition of high-priority technologies from small businesses into government use.
PROVISION 04
Requires agencies to make decisions on "strategic breakthrough" proposals within 90 days and sets strict eligibility criteria, including 100% matching funds and a clear path to government acquisition.
This streamlines the award process and ensures these significant investments are directed towards mature, high-impact technologies with strong commercialization potential or immediate government need.
PROVISION 05
Defines eligible activities for strategic breakthrough funds to include design for manufacturing, establishing manufacturing facilities, tooling, supply chain capacity, and buying raw materials.
This ensures the funding is used for activities directly supporting the production and deployment of the technology, addressing critical stages beyond initial R&D.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Texas
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
40
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUL 25
Introduced in House
JUL 25
Referred to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 4777
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJul 25, 2025
Last actionJul 25, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUL 25, 2025
House BillHR 4777Commerce
INNOVATE Act
INTRODUCED JUL 25, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 25, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
45 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
